An independent report has found that outdated policies and staffing shortages contributed to delayed evacuation alerts during Los Angeles-area wildfires in January.
Global fire statistics 2023 reveal how incidents and fatalities compare across 46 countries
Report provides global fire data
The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF) has published its latest global fire statistics in Report № 30.
According to CTIF, the study covers data from 2023 across 46 countries and 25 cities, representing about 1.5 billion people.
The association said the report examines fire service calls, the number of fires, fire victims, and firefighter fatalities between 2019 and 2023.
It added that the data set includes statistics on fire injuries collected from 54 countries and information on fire services from 66 countries.
The report is published in English, Spanish and German.
Scope of the report
CTIF stated that the report includes both national and city-level statistics, combining data from 46 countries and 25 cities for the most recent year.
It explained that the findings build on previous studies by comparing trends between 2019 and 2023, offering continuity in long-term data analysis.
The organisation added that general global fire data from 1993 to 2023 is also presented in the report, with earlier years updated as new sources contribute additional information.
It commented that the dataset is expected to expand further as more countries submit official national statistics in the coming months.
Country and city coverage
The report presents national fire statistics for 2023 in 46 countries and city-level figures from 25 major urban areas worldwide.
CTIF noted that additional tables cover service calls, total fires, casualties and firefighter deaths across 55 to 76 countries, depending on the category.
The organisation said information on the type of fire injuries is based on data collected from 54 countries, and that coverage of fire service operations extends to 66 countries.
City data includes a breakdown of calls, fires and victims from 2019 to 2023 across 56 cities.
The study also features information about fire services in 77 cities.
Tables and content
The report contains a series of tables designed to provide structured access to the data.
CTIF explained that tables 1.2 to 1.6 contain fire statistics for 2023, while tables 1.7 to 1.12 record calls, fires, victims and firefighter deaths from 2019 to 2023.
It said table 1.13 covers fire services in 65 countries from 2010 to 2023, while table 1.14 outlines the gender balance of fire service staff and table 1.15 reports the number of junior firefighters.
The association noted that table 1.16 presents the distribution of fires by cause.
Tables 2.1 to 2.5 cover fire statistics for 25 cities in 2023, and tables 2.6 to 2.9 show longer-term urban trends and service data.
Special topics in the 2023 edition
CTIF confirmed that Report № 30 includes dedicated chapters addressing high-rise fire incidents and specific observations on fire statistics in India.
The organisation added that the report also highlights differences in the recording of fire injuries across countries, aiming to improve comparability over time.
It said the document contributes to developing a more consistent international dataset for fire analysis.
The inclusion of high-rise fire analysis marks a continuation of CTIF’s approach of adding topical focus areas alongside core statistical material.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The CTIF report offers internationally comparable statistics that can be used by fire authorities and safety organisations to review long-term patterns in incidents, casualties and operational demands.
It provides national and city-level data that may support decision-making on resource allocation, training priorities and prevention strategies.
The report also includes demographic and staffing information that may help organisations assess workforce composition and planning.
The continued expansion of contributing countries increases the scope for comparative analysis across regions.
CTIF fire statistics report 2023 released: Summary
CTIF has published Report № 30 on global fire statistics.
The report provides data for 2023 from 46 countries and 25 cities.
It covers fire service calls, total fires, casualties and firefighter fatalities from 2019 to 2023.
Fire injuries were recorded in 54 countries.
Fire service data was collected from 66 countries.
The study includes general fire statistics from 1993 to 2023.
Additional tables analyse service calls, deaths, staffing and gender ratios.
City-level data includes 25 cities in 2023 and longer-term records for 56 cities.
Fire service information from 77 cities is also presented.
The report contains a dedicated chapter on high-rise fires.
It also comments on fire statistics in India.
The report is published in English, Spanish and German.
CTIF said data for 2023 may be updated as more countries contribute official figures.
HMICFRS report identifies performance concerns at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
HMICFRS finds shortfalls in risk management and protection strategy
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its first inspection of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
According to the report, the inspection was carried out at the request of commissioners appointed by the Welsh Government and focused on effectiveness, efficiency and people-related functions.
The inspection highlighted a series of performance concerns, particularly in how the service identifies and manages fire risks, and in its approach to protection activities.
HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said: “Sadly, I have concerns about the service’s performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.”
Wilsher continued: “In particular, I have concerns about the effectiveness of its strategies for making sure its activities consistently identify, prioritise and mitigate risks for the public.”
He added: “I am also concerned that it doesn’t have effective systems and processes in place to gather and record relevant and up to date risk information to help protect firefighters, the public and property during emergencies.”
Issues raised around non-domestic premises fire safety enforcement
The HMICFRS report identified further issues within the protection department of the service.
The inspectorate said that although some strengths were evident, the department lacks a systematic approach to prioritising activity based on risk.
It also highlighted a need for improved fire safety compliance checks in non-domestic premises.
The report concluded that the service should ensure appropriate resourcing is in place to carry out these duties.
Wilsher said: “The service’s protection department has some positive aspects, but I also have concerns about the way in which it operates.”
He added: “Specifically, how it prioritises activity based on risk, and using a systematic approach to reviewing fire safety compliance in non-domestic premises.”
Commissioners say progress has already been made
The Commissioners for South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority welcomed the HMICFRS inspection and stated that the findings build on previous independent reviews.
In a statement, they said: “This report provides a solid assessment of performance against a comprehensive range of factors that are commonly assessed against in the rest of the UK Fire and Rescue Services.”
They added: “We are pleased that, since the inspection in late 2024, a considerable amount of progress has been made in addressing the recommendations in the report.”
Commissioner Carl Foulkes currently chairs the service improvement board.
The board continues to meet every six weeks to monitor delivery and performance progress.
The Commissioners confirmed that HMICFRS is expected to revisit the service within 12 to 18 months.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service outlines ongoing reforms
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service released a public response following the report’s publication.
Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan acknowledged the gravity of the report and said: “The report is a hard read.”
He added: “The main areas for us to improve in the report are understanding the risk of fire and other emergencies and protecting the public through fire regulations.”
Monahan said the inspection took place before his arrival and that the service has already acted on many of the findings.
He said: “Let’s remember a lot of time has elapsed since the inspection. It began before my arrival and concluded during my second week in the Service; it is a snapshot in time from six months ago.”
New strategy includes 60 work strands and transformation programme
The service outlined several measures underway to implement the report’s recommendations.
It said it has developed a new overarching strategy with 60 defined work strands that now inform the strategic plan and all ongoing activity.
A key initiative is the development of a service-wide Community Risk Management Plan.
This is designed to assess all risks across the service area, including risks to firefighters and the wider community.
The plan is intended to improve the service’s capacity for prevention, protection and response.
The organisation has also launched a new Academy for Leadership and Personal Development.
This is part of a broader transformation programme that includes nine specific areas of work linked to cultural reform.
Fire Brigades Union highlights wider concerns across Welsh services
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) also responded to the HMICFRS report.
FBU Executive Council Member for Wales Gareth Tovey said: “Fire and rescue services in Wales are in a state of emergency due to years of underfunding.”
He added: “Today’s report by the inspectorate comes as no surprise.”
Tovey said the report highlighted clear issues with public safety and the conditions faced by the workforce.
He also pointed to similar findings from a recent Welsh Government report on North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: “Bringing the service up to scratch, to adequately protect the public and look after the workforce, requires investment. This cannot be avoided.”
Context of governance changes and inspection request
The inspection was requested by commissioners appointed by the Welsh Government following an earlier culture review.
The review led to the removal of elected members from the governance structure of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority.
Commissioners were appointed to oversee operations, and in July 2024 they requested HMICFRS to conduct a full inspection.
HMICFRS said it adapted its inspection methodology, originally developed for English fire services, to suit the South Wales context.
The inspection covered prevention, protection, emergency response, efficiency, staff training, leadership and organisational culture.
Planned reinspection expected in 2026
HMICFRS has confirmed that a follow-up inspection of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is planned.
This is expected to take place within the next 12 to 18 months.
The Commissioners said they are confident in the pace of current reforms.
They stated that ongoing oversight mechanisms will remain in place through the improvement board.
HMICFRS said it will use the same methodology in the next visit to assess whether necessary changes have been embedded.
HMICFRS report identifies performance concerns at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service: Summary
HMICFRS published its first inspection of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 22 May 2025.
The inspection was requested by Welsh Government-appointed commissioners in July 2024.
Key findings included concerns over risk identification, protection enforcement and resource allocation.
His Majesty’s Inspector Roy Wilsher stated the service lacks effective systems to manage risk information and public safety.
The report highlighted shortcomings in reviewing fire safety in non-domestic premises.
The Commissioners welcomed the report and said progress has been made since the inspection.
They confirmed that an improvement board meets every six weeks to monitor reforms.
Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan said the service has launched a new strategy with 60 work strands.
He said the strategy includes a new Community Risk Management Plan and leadership academy.
The Fire Brigades Union said years of underfunding have contributed to the current challenges.
A reinspection by HMICFRS is expected between mid-2026 and early 2027.
ZIEGLER announce 2024 report
ZIEGLER has announced their report for 2024, revealing how despite the challenges of recent years; such as the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain problems and high financing costs, they have grown economically.
While global supply chains are only slowly recovering, ZIEGLER has shown itself to be resilient and economically strong early on.
Business figures and record results
The year 2024 marks another successful financial year for the ZIEGLER Group. The company recorded an increase in turnover of almost a third compared to the previous year.
The financial result has announced that ZIEGLER Group achieved a mid-triple-digit million euro turnover in 2024, a significant increase compared to the same period of the previous year and well above original expectations.
In addition to the sales growth, the company also posted a significantly higher profit in the high single- digit million range.
Highest order backlog in the company’s history
According to ZIEGLER’s 2024 report, future prospects are also promising, as the order books for 2025 and 2026 are well filled – with an order backlog of over half a billion euros.
Investments in digitalization, internationalization and innovation
ZIEGLER made targeted investments in the modernization of its locations in 2024. New software
solutions were also implemented in customer service to further improve service quality.
ZIEGLER also revealed that they have secured procurement options and therefore can react flexibly to market changes and requirements.
In addition, the close cooperation between the subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Croatia, Indonesia and Germany ensures a strong international presence. Thanks to the intensive exchange and cooperation within the company, ZIEGLER is ideally positioned to continue to operate successfully worldwide in the future.
Chief Sales Officer, ZIEGLER Group, Markus W. Weber’s statement
Markus W. Weber, Chief Sales Officer of the ZIEGLER Group discussed their plans moving forward, saying: “In 2025, we will primarily continue to strengthen the ZIEGLER brand and expand our position in the
market.
“We will continue to develop our already outstanding products while introducing further
innovations in a targeted manner. We have already set the course for this.
“We have used the time to strengthen ourselves internally and will deliver the next few years stronger than ever before.”
2024 report announced by ZIEGLER: Summary
The ZIEGLER Group has revealed their report for 2024, showing their economic progress and growth.
ZIEGLER’s Chief Sales Officer, Markus W. Weber said that moving forward the brand will continue to develop their products while introducing further innovations in a targeted manner.
UK regulator addresses fire safety risks in construction and consumer products
OPSS highlights fire safety risks in construction materials and appliances
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has detailed its actions addressing fire safety risks across the UK in its 2023-2024 delivery report.
The document outlines efforts to mitigate risks in consumer products and construction materials, reflecting the regulator’s focus on public safety.
Key actions include intervention in a national incident concerning faulty gas hob elbow joints linked to fires.
Approximately 100,000 units were found to pose safety risks.
OPSS issued Suspension and Compliance Notices to prevent further supply and enforced corrective measures on manufacturers.
The regulator also worked on enhancing safety standards in construction products, including fire doors and insulation materials, following updated agreements with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
E-bike and e-scooter battery safety prioritised
OPSS has addressed the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters.
According to its report, these batteries have been linked to several hundred fires in recent years, causing fatalities and injuries.
The regulator removed dangerous e-bike batteries from the market and issued guidance for safer usage.
It collaborated with stakeholders, including fire services and local authorities, to increase awareness of battery safety.
The actions were part of a broader study on the hazards associated with these transport modes.
Online marketplaces targeted for unsafe products
Unsafe products sold online were a significant focus for OPSS during the year.
Test purchases identified fire hazards in items such as baby products, fancy dress costumes, and electrical goods.
Non-compliant products were removed from online marketplaces, and enforcement actions were taken where necessary.
OPSS also engaged with online marketplace operators to strengthen their compliance with UK safety regulations.
The regulator emphasised its expectation that marketplaces ensure products sold on their platforms meet safety standards.
Construction products under scrutiny
The regulator continued its focus on fire safety in construction materials, aligning with reforms following the Grenfell Tower fire.
Investigations targeted products such as insulation, fire-retardant acoustic tiles, and fire doors.
Several cases led to Prohibition Notices and product recalls, with manufacturers required to improve their quality assurance processes.
The regulator also conducted market surveillance on plywood with enhanced fire performance claims, resulting in a voluntary product recall by a manufacturer after testing revealed non-compliance.
UK regulator addresses fire safety risks in construction and consumer products: Summary
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has focused on mitigating fire risks in its 2023-2024 delivery report.
It addressed safety concerns in gas hobs, e-bike batteries, online products, and construction materials.
Actions included issuing compliance notices, product recalls, and market engagement to enhance fire safety standards.
Collaboration with stakeholders and targeted enforcement contributed to improving product safety across various sectors in the UK.
DuPont publishes 2020 Sustainability Report
DuPont has announced the release of its 2020 Sustainability Report, which is the first for DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (following its separation from DowDuPont), and covers integrated activities during the calendar year 2019.
DuPont’s innovation culture and diverse portfolio position the company to deliver science-based solutions that create sustainable, positive societal change and competitive advantages in essential areas such as clean water, health and safety, high- speed connectivity, and automotive electrification. Among the many ways the company’s competitive differentiators are being harnessed to create social and environmental advantage are its investment in advanced technologies for 5G networks to support more connected, sustainable communities, and DuPont’s AHEAD™ automotive program, which will help accelerate the transportation industry’s transformation to hybrid and electric vehicles.
DuPont’s 2030 Sustainability Goals underscore the importance of bringing sustainable innovations to market and draw inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which help to gauge what the biggest market drivers will be in the years to come and chart a clear path ahead for its businesses.
“At the end of 2019, we announced our 2030 Sustainability Goals—nine ambitious, long-term goals developed to amplify our company’s contributions in areas that are critically important to our stakeholders and society,” said Alexa Dembek, DuPont Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer. “In this, our first sustainability report, we introduce our roadmap to meet our goals, hold ourselves accountable, and track our progress. You’ll read about how we engage our colleagues and the communities we live in by empowering people to drive change and be part of the solution. While the report tracks 2019 performance, this commitment is especially visible right now, as we find new ways to secure the health and safety of our own teams, recommit to our responsibilities to assure racial justice for Black Americans, and partner with fellow industry leaders to provide the protective equipment frontline workers, including many of our own, need to combat the pandemic.”
Highlights of the company’s 2019 performance include:
- In our operations, we continue to deliver world-class health and safety performance. In 2019, 75 percent of DuPont sites achieved zero injuries and/or illnesses, which is the best safety performance our businesses have ever recorded.
- We are advancing water security, availability and quality worldwide through our filtration and purification technologies, and we’ve expanded our capabilities with strategic acquisitions of Memcor, Inge, Desalitech and OxyMem.
- We partnered with Habitat for Humanity International to provide safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing for people in need worldwide. In the second half of 2019, 400 DuPont employees donated more than 2,550 service hours to Habitat projects in 16 communities across the U.S. and Canada.
- We continue to affirm our commitment to address climate change as a member of the CEO Climate Dialogue, a collaboration between large companies and NGOs working together to advance effective climate legislation in the U.S.
- We were named to the 2019 Bloomberg Gender- Equality Index (GEI), and for the sixth year in a row, scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
“DuPont’s businesses and employees have a long history of improving the world through science-based innovation and that is reflected today in an approach to sustainability that empowers people everywhere to be agents of change,” said Ed Breen, DuPont Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our goals include achieving a more just and equitable world for all, which is why I felt it was so important to sign on to the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change, pledging to advance more women, particularly women of colour, into senior leadership positions and onto our board, and the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge. In this period of profound global change and unprecedented health, economic, and societal challenges, I expect this first Sustainability Report will be the foundation for meaningful change, with DuPont innovation helping to lead the way to dramatic improvements on multiple fronts.”